Minutes_Human Rights Commission 7/14CITY OF DUBUQUE
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES OF
July 14, 2014
Commissioner Lenhart called the meeting of the Dubuque Human Rights Commission to order at
3:40 p.m. on Monday, July 14, 2014, at the City Hall Annex, 1300 Main Street, Conference Room II,
Dubuque, Iowa.
Roll Call:
Present: Anthony Allen, Chair Tom LoGuidice
Miguel Jackson Chris Ostwinkle
Howard Lee RRS Stewart
Jeff Lenhart
Staff:
Carol Spinoso Kelly Larson
Commissioner Allen reordered the agenda and called for Old Business related to source of income to
be discussed at this point. Commissioner Ostwinkle moved to not limit debate to the table. Second
by Commissioner Lee. All in favor.
Source of Income — Jerry Maro, President of the Dubuque Landlord's Association
Mr. Maro distributed a highlighted list of the Safe Community Task Force's (SCTF) recommendations
that are related to landlord issues for "Making Dubuque a Safer Community." The Association had
agreed to work with the SCTF to do what they could amongst their group to help improve the
neighborhoods. Mr. Maro conveyed that the majority of Association members don't want to see
source of income added as a protected class to the ordinance as they feel it limits their choice of who
they rent to. Most landlords have established criteria of three times their rental amount in order to
pay the rent and utilities and then be able to recover any damages that may occur. Source of income
creates a burden for landlords because they cannot access federal or state entitlements when trying
to recover costs for damages, and therefore, they have to take a loss. In addition, some landlords
felt that the inspections are too restrictive and time consuming when it comes to the Section 8
Housing Program.
Kelly that the ordinance wouldn't take away a landlords right to have their income criteria, but that
they have to take into consideration a person's monthly SSI, Section 8, or any other federal or state
income when calculating their income criteria. If a prospective tenant doesn't meet the established
criteria including those sources, then a landlord does not have to rent to that individual because they
don't meet their criteria.
A concern for landlords is that there is a higher risk for loss when dealing with individuals receiving
income from government sources. There was a request for: 1) data showing how many people
actually graduated out of those programs: 2) to gather information from Iowa City and Marion to see
the effects or negative issues that have come up since the inclusion of source of income to their
ordinances; and 3) determine whether there has been any discussion on this issue at the state level.
More dialogue, research, and training will be needed prior to any recommendations being made. It
was recommended to continue to work together for what is best for the citizens of Dubuque.
Commissioner Allen will plan on attending the Landlord Association meeting in August.
Commissioner Ostwinkle moved to end public input. Commissioner LoGuidice seconded. All in
favor. Landlords were invited to stay to hear discussion on the proposed source of income ordinance
amendment.
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Approval of Minutes:
Commissioner LoGuidice requests that the minutes reference the July 2013 Fair Housing Coach that
was discussed in June. Commissioner Stewart corrected the name of the NAACP to the Dubuque
Branch of the NAACP. Commissioner LoGuidice moved to approve the meeting minutes of June 9,
2014 as corrected. Commissioner Stewart seconded. All in favor.
Reports:
Caseload Report
The June 2014 caseload report was received and filed.
Chairperson's Report
Commissioner Allen continues to work with the NAACP to help them get reorganized and
restructured.
The Community Police Relations Committee (CPRC) will meet August 4th to finalize the By -
Laws.
The Black Man Coalition (BMC) has completed their strategic planning. They will begin a rite
of passage graduation for the young men who go through the mentoring program, and then
complete the Road to Success Program.
Inclusive Dubuque's first forum on residency will be offered August 5th . They are seeking
facilitators to conduct forums on many issues. The training for facilitators will be July 25th
from 9:00 to 3:00.
Director's Report:
A written report was submitted.
Old Business:
Review Proposed Source of Income Ordinance Amendment
Housing provided data that indicated that, on average, 2/3 of the vouchers issued end in a
leased unit, and normally it takes a little over two months to find a unit. And of the 1/3 who do
not end up leasing a unit, there are no comprehensive records for the reason that occurs.
Copies of the proposed amendment were distributed. Commissioner Stewart prepared two
different options for use in the proposed ordinance amendment. One includes Section 8
vouchers and other does not. Kelly stated that the Assistant City Attorney routinely reviews
any proposed ordinance amendments prior to proceeding to the City Council.
The Commission needs to decide whether they want to include source of income as a
protected class, and then decide whether they want to include or exclude Section 8 vouchers.
New Business:
Mary Sawyer — Culture of Non-violence Coalition
Mary was unable to make it this meeting. She will be sharing information about the Coalition
and showing a video to members of the NAACP at a later date. Commissioners are invited to
attend that meeting. Anthony will ask her to send the link to that video to this group.
Election of Vice -Chair
The Chair called for nominations for Vice -Chairperson. Commissioner Lee nominated
Commissioner Stewart. She accepted and is willing to have a co -vice -chair if anyone was
interested. Nominations were closed. Hearing no objections, Commissioner Stewart will
serve as Vice -Chair.
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Update Rotating Chair Meeting Schedule
It was decided to continue rotation through December. Ostwinkle will chair August 11`h
meeting; Allen — September 8; Jackson — October 13; Lee — November 10; and Lenhart —
December 8.
Standing Items:
Review and Discuss Goals
Goal #1 & 2:
Sub. Goal #1: Strengthen DHRC relationships as well as relationships between the
community
A revised goal sheet was distributed. Commissioner Ostwinkle reported that he and
Commissioner LoGuidice met to discuss recommendations. They are recommending that
priority be placed on working as a team with racial disparity and housing issues, and to drop
initiative "c" (already removed in February) related to sponsoring a community meal, and
replacing "f with Department/Commission displays be organized/created by staff and
commissioners. Displays to be posted for one month each at the Library, Multicultural Family
Center, Hillcrest (Main Street location) and other locations.
Sub. Goal #2: Ensure DHRC feel their roles are meaningful/productive by improving
effectiveness and quality of meetings.
Recommendations:
1) They are recommending that subcommittees set dates for action on each of the goals so
each is fully addressed by December.
2) That the rotation of members assigned to chair meetings be examined at the December
goal setting session.
3) That formal meetings be held in Council Chambers or other formal settings for goal #3 & 4.
4) That action agenda items be used
5) Evaluations at the end of July and August meetings allowing commissioners to address
what went well and what could have gone better.
Commissioner Ostwinkle agreed to chair Goal 1 & 2. Commissioner Stewart moved to accept
the recommendation of the Subcommittee. Seconded by Allen. All in favor.
Goal #3: Discuss Criminal Justice procedures as they relate to racial disparities
Racial Disparities Forum Planning Subcommittee Update
Commissioner LoGuidice reported that they are not prepared to bring forward
suggestions for a format at this point. The subcommittee is meeting again on August
1. He stated that the subcommittee includes individuals from the community, and that
they have had open discussion that he feels will lead to decisions about a format and
a date. Alvin Nash, Jessica Rose and Chrissy Johnson should also receive meeting
notices for the Planning Subcommittee.
Goal #4: Education and communication regarding Housing
Commissioner Allen suggested tabling discussion until after the August VCA fair housing
training.
Goal #5: Participate in Inclusive Dubuque process
DBQ BBQ Subcommittee Update
The subcommittee will meet July 17`h. They are waiting to hear back on the status of
the Sustainable Dubuque Grant that they submitted last month.
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Consent Items:
Adjournment:
Motion to adjoum by Commissioner Allen, second by Commissioner Stewart. All in favor. The
meeting of the Human Rights Commission adjoumed at 6:00 p.m.
Commissioner Ostwinkle will lead the next regular meeting scheduled for Monday, August 11, 2014
at 3:30 p.m.
Minutes approved as submitted:
Minutes approved as corrected: (fUXA -j
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